Blanchet breaks ground on new addition

An architect's rendering of the future commons at Blanchet School in Salem.

SALEM – Blanchet School here will break ground on a 10,600-square-foot commons building at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 13.

The $1.7 million addition — to be ready by fall — will include a cafeteria, sports locker rooms, a kitchen and a landscaped courtyard.

Charles Lee, president of Blanchet, thanked what he called "incredibly supportive" donors. The school began its campaign in September.

The building will be the center of campus and a gathering space for students, families and community groups.

CB2 Architects & Construction and Phoenix Construction are doing the work. The idea for the building emerged from strategic planning efforts and is part of the school’s $4.3 million “Foundation for the Future” campaign.